THE ATHEIST'S COMPLAINT:
Did Jesus say that he would always be with his disciples? Some verses (ie. Matthew 28:20) say yes, while other verses (ie. Matthew 26:11, Mark 14:7, John 12:8) say no. Is there a contradiction?

RESPONSE:
If the questioner had looked much into the Bible, he would know that following the words recorded in Matthew 28:20, Jesus ascended into heaven (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:9). It should be apparent from this that Jesus was not meaning that he would literally be with them always. His disciples are not more graced with his physical presence, but spiritually, the Lord is still with His people (2 Timothy 4:17; John 14:18-23).

The other texts cited, all specifically deal with the Lord's physical presence. Mary had anointed Jesus' feet with a very costly oil, and some of his disciples were speaking out against her actions, saying that it might have been sold and the proceeds used to serve the poor. Jesus said to them, "Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for me. For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always." (Mark 14:5-6). Jesus was shortly thereafter crucified, and thus no longer physically with them.

There is no contradiction.

This article is a response to Skeptic's Annotated Bible, but original article is no longer listed

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